RINA Appoints New General Manager for America

Genoa-based classification society RINA has appointed Massimo Volta as its new General Manager for America. Volta’s appointment is part of a reorganisation of RINA’s regional management in a move to improve client liaison and to streamline services. The move will result in better services for cruise ship operators in the Americas, as well as a faster global response to the needs of shipowners. Speaking on the eve of Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami, Volta said, “Cruise ship operators need more and more technical support. They work in a heavily regulated sector and are increasingly conscious of the need to protect the environment and save energy. To help them do that, we have a coherent range of services, developed in conjunction with the world’s leading passenger ship yards and owners. The headquarters of our organisation in America will be in Fort Lauderdale, from where we can deliver these services in a more direct way to American operators concentrated in the area.” RINA is one of the world leaders in passenger ship classification and services. During 2009, five major cruise ships were delivered to RINA class: the 3,780- passenger Costa Pacifica, the 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream, the 2,828- passenger Costa Luminosa, the 540-passenger Silver Spirit (all built at Fincantieri) and the super luxury 452-passenger Seabourn Odyssey, built at Cantieri Mariotti. About RINA RINA is one of the oldest classification societies and certification companies in the world. Established in Genoa in 1861 to serve the marine industry, today it spans the globe as a multinational and multi-faceted company, sharing its knowledge and experience through a wide range of services which help industries and the community to improve their businesses and quality of life. RINA’s services cover the environment, energy, transportation, logistics, safety, quality and social responsibility. RINA has 112 offices around the world and employs around 1,400 exclusive personnel. Through its Marine Division, RINA has a classed fleet of over 3,815 ships totalling 25.5m gt, plus over 1,000 yachts and more than 300 special units, among which are military ships and units for coastguard and armed forces.